1. Overview
Antoine-Denis Chaudet (Antoine Denis Chaudetɑtwan dəni ʃodɛFrench; March 3, 1763 - April 19, 1810) was a prominent French sculptor and painter who worked in the Neoclassical style. Born and deceased in Paris, Chaudet was a significant figure in the late 18th and early 19th-century French art scene. His career was marked by academic success, including winning the prestigious Prix de Rome, extensive study in Rome, and his later appointment as a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts. He is renowned for his elegant and classical sculptures, including notable works like Cupid and the Butterfly (L'Amour), Peace, and several influential depictions of Napoleon Bonaparte. His works are preserved in major institutions such as the Louvre Museum.
2. Early Life and Education
Antoine-Denis Chaudet was born in Paris, France, on March 3, 1763. He began his artistic training under the tutelage of esteemed sculptors, including Jean-Baptiste Stouf at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. He also studied with Étienne Gois. His early talent was recognized in 1784 when his bas-relief sculpture, Joseph Sold into Slavery by His Brothers, earned him the coveted Prix de Rome. This award provided him with the opportunity to further his studies at the French Academy in Rome, where he spent four years immersing himself in the study of ancient sculpture.
3. Career
Chaudet returned to France in 1789, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Upon his return, he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. However, the Academy itself was later abolished in 1793 due to the Revolution. In 1793, Chaudet married his student, Jeanne-Élisabeth Gabiou (1767-1832), who would later become a renowned portrait painter, having learned art from him.
In 1801, Chaudet contributed to an illustrated edition of the collected works of Jean Racine, with many of his contributions depicting Biblical scenes. He also collaborated on various architectural projects with prominent architects such as Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine and Charles Percier. He was elected a professor of the newly established Institut de France in 1803 and became a member of the Institute in 1805. On February 1, 1810, he was appointed Professor-Rector at the École des Beaux-Arts, succeeding Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée. Tragically, Chaudet died only two months later, on April 19, 1810, and was interred at the Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris. Following his death, François-Frédéric Lemot replaced him as professor at the École des Beaux-Arts on September 8, 1810. The Louvre Museum holds a collection of Chaudet's sketches and manuscript notes, preserving his artistic legacy.
4. Artistic Style and Works
Antoine-Denis Chaudet's artistic output is characterized by his adherence to the Neoclassical style, which emphasized classical forms, idealized figures, and themes drawn from ancient Greek and Roman art and history. His sculptures are known for their elegance, precision, and emotional depth, reflecting the aesthetic principles of the Neoclassical movement.
Chaudet's body of work includes a variety of sculptures and reliefs, many of which are considered significant examples of Neoclassical art. He also created notable works depicting Napoleon Bonaparte, which played a role in the public imagery of the Napoleonic era.
4.1. Major Sculptures and Reliefs
Chaudet's major sculptures and reliefs demonstrate his mastery of the Neoclassical style and his ability to convey narrative and emotion through form.
- Joseph Sold into Slavery by His Brothers (1784): This bas-relief was the work that earned Chaudet the prestigious Prix de Rome, marking an early highlight in his career.
- The infant Oedipus and Phorbas (1799): This sculpture depicts the moment Oedipus is saved by the shepherd Phorbas. It was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1801. After Chaudet's death, the work was completed by his colleagues Pierre Cartellier (1757-1831) and Louis Dupaty (1771-1825). It is now housed in the Louvre Museum.
- L'Amour (Cupid and the Butterfly): This iconic sculpture depicts Cupid catching a butterfly. It was completed posthumously in 1817 by Pierre Cartellier and is a prominent piece in the Louvre Museum's collection.
- Peace (Pax, c. 1800-1810): This sculpture embodies the goddess Pax, representing peace. It is another significant work from his later period.
- Blind Belisarius Resting (1791): This work, depicting the blind Byzantine general Belisarius, is housed in the Lille Palace Museum.
4.2. Works related to Napoleon
Chaudet created several important sculptural works related to Napoleon Bonaparte, reflecting the artistic patronage of the Napoleonic era.
- Statue of Napoleon I as Emperor (1804): Chaudet created a significant marble statue of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804. This statue served as the model for the monumental Napoleon statue that was later erected on the Vendôme Column in Paris.
- Vendôme Column Statue (1810): The statue of Napoleon on the Vendôme Column, commemorating the Battle of Austerlitz, was based on Chaudet's 1804 work. It was created in 1810 by Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret and a team of sculptors. After Napoleon's downfall, this statue was removed and discarded. However, it was later restored in 1863 by Auguste Dumont under the orders of Napoleon III.
- Busts of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Joséphine: Chaudet also created busts of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Joséphine, which were exhibited in 1811.
- Marble Statue of Napoleon in Moscow (1812): In 1812, Napoleon himself arranged for a marble statue of him by Chaudet to be transported to Moscow for prominent display. This statue is currently exhibited at the Borodino Panorama Museum.
5. Legacy and Evaluation
Antoine-Denis Chaudet's legacy is primarily rooted in his significant contributions to Neoclassical sculpture in France. As a recipient of the Prix de Rome and a student of esteemed masters, he embodied the academic ideals of his time, which he, in turn, passed on to future generations.
His appointment as Professor-Rector at the École des Beaux-Arts shortly before his death highlights his esteemed position within the French art establishment and his role as an educator. His influence extended to his own students, including his wife, Jeanne-Élisabeth Chaudet, who became a successful portrait painter under his guidance. The preservation of his sketches and manuscript notes at the Louvre Museum provides valuable insight into his artistic process and the broader Neoclassical movement. Chaudet's works, with their classical forms and refined execution, continue to be admired and studied as prime examples of early 19th-century French sculpture.